COEYMANS HOLLOW – Robert M. Payne born in Coeymans Hollow to the late Otto and Sarah Malkonian Cook Payne on November 13, 1927, passed away May 20, 2016 after a long illness.  Graduated from Ravena High School in 1945 and went right into the Navy.  Served on the Samuel N. Moore (DD747) in the South Pacific from 1945 to 1947.  Was a life member of Trinity United Methodist Church and was the last chartered active member of the C.H.V. Fire Corp for 71 years.  He served as Fire Chief and treasurer of the Board of Fire Commissioners many years.  He belonged to the Hudson Valley Fireman’s Association and was treasurer.  He ran the County Fireman’s Bowling Tournament and was treasurer.  He joined the Ravena Grange on April 4, 1944 and held many offices;  Master and treasurer, at the present time is Master of Ravena Grange.  He belongs to the County Pomona, State and National Granges.  He was 40 years treasurer, 1957 to 1997 of the New York State Grange and also held many offices in the Pomona Grange including Master.

     Bob played softball on the Ravena School team and also on the Coeymans Hollow Team.  He was manager of the Little League Red Socks Team and managed the Hudson Valley Little League concession stand and was treasurer.  He’s the last chartered member of the Little Red School House. Was on the Board of Directors and held the office of treasurer.  He’s always been active with the Altamont Fair for 50 years and was president and treasurer of the Tri Co. Fair Assoc. and helped in managing the Grange building.

     He was treasurer of the 300th year anniversary celebration of the Town of Coeymans in 1973 and was a member of the Brothers of the Brush.

     He ran the State Grange Bowling tournament for 25 years.  Worked many years on the Board of Elections and was an inspector in the Town of Coeymans.  He was a member of Civil Defense back in the 60’s.  He also worked in the NYS Senate when Dewey was governor and 33 years in the Dept. of Corrections.  In 2013 he was chairman of the NYS Grange Convention Committee in Albany.

     He was an avid Yankee fan and never missed a game on TV.  He also loved to play pinochle.

     He leaves behind his wife of 64 years, Ismay Rupert Payne;  daughter, Nancy J. Payne;  sons, Robert B. and Steven G. Payne;  and granddaughter, Jessica L. Payne of N. Carolina.

     Funeral services will be 11 AM Wednesday, May 25th at the Trinity United Methodist Church.  Interment will follow in Chestnut Lawn Cemetery, New Baltimore.  Friends may call at the Babcock funeral home Tuesday the 24th from 4 to 7 PM.

     In lieu of flowers the family would like you to consider donations in memory of Robert to the Coeymans Hollow Volunteer Fire Corp., Trinity United Methodist Church or the Ravena Grange.